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Polish driver convicted over cyclist's death
A foreign lorry driver who knocked over and killed a cyclist is facing jail.
Polish national Robert Plichta mowed down Barabra Brown, 53, on the A259 in Littlehampton.
She died in hospital hours after the crash on the afternoon of April 27 last year - having met her new grandchild just once.
A jury of eight men and four women took two hours to convict Plichta, 24, of causing death by dangerous driving at Chichester Crown Court yesterday (Thurs).
In court it was revealed that Mrs Bone had been looking forward to being a grandmother when Daisy was born two months before the accident.
Lucy Jenkins, Mrs Bone's daughter, revealed that after the accident she discovered unopened presents for Daisy at her mum's flat.
It also emerged that Mrs Bone's son Richard, whom she had given up for adoption due to her illness, was due to meet his mother for the first time.
In a victim impact statement read out in court, Mrs Jenkins said: "Due to illness before Daisy's birth, a traumatic birth and caesarean section, I did not see as much of my mum as I had wanted to.
"Her sudden death has taken away the chance of her being the grandma she wanted to be.
"When mum first died I found it difficult to sleep and when I closed my eyes I pictured her bouncing off a bonnet and lying on a grass verge."
Mrs Bone, of Arundel Road, Littlehampton, was well known in the area where she lived with her husband Bill.
Mrs Jenkins added: "My mum had suffered from mental illness for a long time. Recently since she married Bill she had got a lot better and she had found a purpose in life.
"Years ago due to my mum's illness she had to give up her son Richard for adoption.
"I had recently found him and unfortunately he never got the chance to meet her. He attended the funeral and met her family there."
Married Plichta was working as a delivery driver for a Littlehampton garden centre at the time of the accident.
He had been driving for some seven years and had obtained an HGV licence two months before moving to England in July 2006.
The court earlier heard how Plichta stopped after the accident and rushed to give Mrs Bone first aid.
Plichta, of Toddington Lane, Wick, near Littlehampton, was arrested after the accident but refused to comment in two police interviews.
In court, Judge Anthony Thorpe called for action over the road and said the stretch of road was "inherently dangerous".
Mrs Bone had been riding the cycle inside the outer lane markings on the single carriageway at the time of the crash.
Police investigations had shown Mrs Bone was hit at either 40mph or 41mph. The limit is 40mph.
Mr Thorpe said it was "impossible" for any vehicle to overtake safely on that stretch of the A259 and urged the police and local authorities to review the situation.
Plichta was bailed and will be sentenced at Chichester Crown Court on May 6.
5:55pm Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: td, worthing on 6:05pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Mown down seems a harsh description when the driver was driving pretty much on the speed limit....
This sounds like a tragic accident, sad for everyone concerned
Mown down seems a harsh description when the driver was driving pretty much on the speed limit....
This sounds like a tragic accident, sad for everyone concerned
Posted by: jo, haywards heath on 6:36pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Have to agree with td, from what I've heard this does seem more like a tragic accident and less a case of driving like an idiot. There may of course be other facts that haven't been made public but some credit has to be given to him for stopping to help the victim and administering first aid when so many would have just driven off.
Have to agree with td, from what I've heard this does seem more like a tragic accident and less a case of driving like an idiot. There may of course be other facts that haven't been made public but some credit has to be given to him for stopping to help the victim and administering first aid when so many would have just driven off.
Posted by: homer, springfield on 6:49pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]jo[/bold] wrote:
Have to agree with td, from what I've heard this does seem more like a tragic accident and less a case of driving like an idiot. There may of course be other facts that haven't been made public but some credit has to be given to him for stopping to help the victim and administering first aid when so many would have just driven off.[/quote] totally agree with both posts. seems a shame that he is facing jail over this. accidents happen, and if they jailed every driver involved, then we would need more prisons.
jo wrote:
Have to agree with td, from what I've heard this does seem more like a tragic accident and less a case of driving like an idiot. There may of course be other facts that haven't been made public but some credit has to be given to him for stopping to help the victim and administering first aid when so many would have just driven off.
totally agree with both posts. seems a shame that he is facing jail over this. accidents happen, and if they jailed every driver involved, then we would need more prisons.
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Brunswick Square on 7:07pm Thu 27 Mar 08
The phrase "impact statement" is crass, especially in these circumstances.
The phrase "impact statement" is crass, especially in these circumstances.
Posted by: Roy Hills, Heathfield on 8:48pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Classic case of the L/H drive blind spot. All foreign lorries should be fitted with blind spot window lenses. They are available FREE at ports of entry!
Classic case of the L/H drive blind spot. All foreign lorries should be fitted with blind spot window lenses. They are available FREE at ports of entry!
Posted by: David, Worthing on 10:18pm Thu 27 Mar 08
As the article clearly states that he was working for a Littlehampton garden centre I would be very surprised if they were using L/H drive lorries, Mr Hills.
As the article clearly states that he was working for a Littlehampton garden centre I would be very surprised if they were using L/H drive lorries, Mr Hills.
Posted by: ding a ling, worthing on 10:22pm Thu 27 Mar 08
GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Posted by: graham, hove on 8:32am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]Mr Thorpe said it was "impossible" for any vehicle to overtake safely on that stretch of the A259 and urged the police and local authorities to review the situation.[/quote]
Td and others, it was no 'oops accidents happen moment'. The judge stated it was not safe to overtake at that point, so it was his job, as the driver, to assess whether it was safe to overtake. He didnt make that assessment consequently he knocked the poor lady down. It is his fault, and no one elses. He could have left over taking her for another couple of hundred yards, but no, he decided to overtake there. He was also doing 40 mph whilst doing it, so while he knew that he didnt give her enough time and road space he also knew that he was going too fast for being so close.
Having ridden a bike and driven cars for many years, there is no excuse not to give time, space, and drop speed whilst overtaking cyclists.
Td, your comment as a shows that you do not think of making the correct assessments, so I would guess that you are an accident waiting to happen. sounds harsh, but think about it.
Mr Thorpe said it was "impossible" for any vehicle to overtake safely on that stretch of the A259 and urged the police and local authorities to review the situation.
Td and others, it was no 'oops accidents happen moment'. The judge stated it was not safe to overtake at that point, so it was his job, as the driver, to assess whether it was safe to overtake. He didnt make that assessment consequently he knocked the poor lady down. It is his fault, and no one elses. He could have left over taking her for another couple of hundred yards, but no, he decided to overtake there. He was also doing 40 mph whilst doing it, so while he knew that he didnt give her enough time and road space he also knew that he was going too fast for being so close.
Having ridden a bike and driven cars for many years, there is no excuse not to give time, space, and drop speed whilst overtaking cyclists.
Td, your comment as a shows that you do not think of making the correct assessments, so I would guess that you are an accident waiting to happen. sounds harsh, but think about it.
Posted by: bob, lewes on 8:49am Fri 28 Mar 08
Everyone uses the term accident as if there was nothing at all that could have been done to prevent it. Also there is very sparse detail about what actually happenned in the report.
Just because he was at the speed limit doesnt mean he was not careless.
Everyone uses the term accident as if there was nothing at all that could have been done to prevent it. Also there is very sparse detail about what actually happenned in the report.
Just because he was at the speed limit doesnt mean he was not careless.
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Brunswick Square on 9:21am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]ding a ling[/bold] wrote:
GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ[/quote] I did not say that the Argus invented the awful phrase "impact statement".
I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead.
Nobody says "I want to make an impact statement". It is non-language, of which there is too much.
As for your screaming capitals, my dear why don't you think about what's easy on the eye instead of getting the heebie-jeebies?
ding a ling wrote:
GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
I did not say that the Argus invented the awful phrase "impact statement".
I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead.
Nobody says "I want to make an impact statement". It is non-language, of which there is too much.
As for your screaming capitals, my dear why don't you think about what's easy on the eye instead of getting the heebie-jeebies?
Posted by: Sue, Hove on 9:23am Fri 28 Mar 08
HE made the decision to overtake when he should clearly have waited.Waiting for the correct moment to overtake would have been the correct action. A lorry is a lethal weapon and a cyclist would not have stood a chance.
HE made the decision to overtake when he should clearly have waited.Waiting for the correct moment to overtake would have been the correct action. A lorry is a lethal weapon and a cyclist would not have stood a chance.
Posted by: graham, hove on 10:11am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead.
[/quote]
Twit foot soozie, just because you may think something it doesn't mean that you need to put it into writing. Some people would probably have thought the same as you, but as it's such a poor taste comment they would have simply walked on by. Are you saying it's a pun, but you aren't brave enough to say so, merely brave enough to plant the idea? Go away please...
I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead.
Twit foot soozie, just because you may think something it doesn't mean that you need to put it into writing. Some people would probably have thought the same as you, but as it's such a poor taste comment they would have simply walked on by. Are you saying it's a pun, but you aren't brave enough to say so, merely brave enough to plant the idea? Go away please...
Posted by: terri, brighton on 10:25am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Flat Foot Soozie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]ding a ling[/bold] wrote: GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ[/quote] I did not say that the Argus invented the awful phrase "impact statement". I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead. Nobody says "I want to make an impact statement". It is non-language, of which there is too much. As for your screaming capitals, my dear why don't you think about what's easy on the eye instead of getting the heebie-jeebies?[/quote] dont tell us ffs another imposter. god you are boreing
Flat Foot Soozie wrote:
ding a ling wrote: GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
I did not say that the Argus invented the awful phrase "impact statement". I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead. Nobody says "I want to make an impact statement". It is non-language, of which there is too much. As for your screaming capitals, my dear why don't you think about what's easy on the eye instead of getting the heebie-jeebies?
dont tell us ffs another imposter. god you are boreing
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Brunswick Square on 10:28am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]graham[/bold] wrote:
[quote]I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead.
[/quote]
Twit foot soozie, just because you may think something it doesn't mean that you need to put it into writing. Some people would probably have thought the same as you, but as it's such a poor taste comment they would have simply walked on by. Are you saying it's a pun, but you aren't brave enough to say so, merely brave enough to plant the idea? Go away please...[/quote] I am saying that it is an awful phrase made worse by being used in this situation. Te police would gain more respect if they spoke in proper language and not all this rubbish about "victim impact statements".
The police should have considered the unfortunate resonance of the phrase - the circumstances in which it would be used - when making the bizarre decision to use it.
If people are only allowed to make comments sanctioned by others, then there is hardly any point in comments.
Go away, Mr Galileo?
graham wrote:
I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead.
Twit foot soozie, just because you may think something it doesn't mean that you need to put it into writing. Some people would probably have thought the same as you, but as it's such a poor taste comment they would have simply walked on by. Are you saying it's a pun, but you aren't brave enough to say so, merely brave enough to plant the idea? Go away please...
I am saying that it is an awful phrase made worse by being used in this situation. Te police would gain more respect if they spoke in proper language and not all this rubbish about "victim impact statements".
The police should have considered the unfortunate resonance of the phrase - the circumstances in which it would be used - when making the bizarre decision to use it.
If people are only allowed to make comments sanctioned by others, then there is hardly any point in comments.
Go away, Mr Galileo?
Posted by: graham, hove on 10:44am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]The police should have considered the unfortunate resonance of the phrase - the circumstances in which it would be used - when making the bizarre decision to use it.[/quote]
Soozie, there is no one else on the same wavelength as you. and tats not a compliment.
The police should have considered the unfortunate resonance of the phrase - the circumstances in which it would be used - when making the bizarre decision to use it.
Soozie, there is no one else on the same wavelength as you. and tats not a compliment.
Posted by: bob on 1:22pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Soozie be quiet - the issue here is the accident, the guys driving to be precise..sometimes certain names are used for things but then what do you suggest instead "Statement of affect of incident on victims family report" be sensible now!
Soozie be quiet - the issue here is the accident, the guys driving to be precise..sometimes certain names are used for things but then what do you suggest instead "Statement of affect of incident on victims family report" be sensible now!
Posted by: The Usher, Crown Court on 2:31pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Dear Susan
an Imapct Statement is not from the deceased it is from the family members left the the trauma of losing a loved one , I would hope you take more care with your comments , I am sure the deceased family would be hurt by your aimless ranting
Dear Susan
an Imapct Statement is not from the deceased it is from the family members left the the trauma of losing a loved one , I would hope you take more care with your comments , I am sure the deceased family would be hurt by your aimless ranting
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Brunswick Square on 2:33pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Sorry
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Brunswick Square on 2:49pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Flat Foot Soozie[/bold] wrote:
Sorry [/quote] Not my post.
Does grief need an "impact statement"?
How can it be formulated, let alone reduced to a box on a form?
Flat Foot Soozie wrote:
Sorry
Not my post.
Does grief need an "impact statement"?
How can it be formulated, let alone reduced to a box on a form?
Posted by: graham, hove on 3:33pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]Does grief need an "impact statement"?
How can it be formulated, let alone reduced to a box on a form?[/quote]
thats the point you berk. It was felt that sentencing should never be formulaic, so the factor of impact was introduced to make the punish better fit the crime, and allow the victims a chance to be heard.
Are you back on the Gin then Boozie? I remain to be convinced that you are of sound mind. Its going a bit over the top just to avoid jury service isn't it.
Does grief need an "impact statement"?
How can it be formulated, let alone reduced to a box on a form?
thats the point you berk. It was felt that sentencing should never be formulaic, so the factor of impact was introduced to make the punish better fit the crime, and allow the victims a chance to be heard.
Are you back on the Gin then Boozie? I remain to be convinced that you are of sound mind. Its going a bit over the top just to avoid jury service isn't it.
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Brunswick Square on 4:44pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]graham[/bold] wrote:
[quote]Does grief need an "impact statement"?
How can it be formulated, let alone reduced to a box on a form?[/quote]
thats the point you berk. It was felt that sentencing should never be formulaic, so the factor of impact was introduced to make the punish better fit the crime, and allow the victims a chance to be heard.
Are you back on the Gin then Boozie? I remain to be convinced that you are of sound mind. Its going a bit over the top just to avoid jury service isn't it. [/quote] I can see part of what you mean, but of course in a case like this - death - how can an "impact statement" be meaningful?
Is one such death of more "impact" than another? Or is the person who writes the more eloquent essay rewarded by the perpetrator getting a longer sentence?
I still say that "impact statement" is a rotten phrase.
graham wrote:
Does grief need an "impact statement"?
How can it be formulated, let alone reduced to a box on a form?
thats the point you berk. It was felt that sentencing should never be formulaic, so the factor of impact was introduced to make the punish better fit the crime, and allow the victims a chance to be heard.
Are you back on the Gin then Boozie? I remain to be convinced that you are of sound mind. Its going a bit over the top just to avoid jury service isn't it.
I can see part of what you mean, but of course in a case like this - death - how can an "impact statement" be meaningful?
Is one such death of more "impact" than another? Or is the person who writes the more eloquent essay rewarded by the perpetrator getting a longer sentence?
I still say that "impact statement" is a rotten phrase.
Posted by: Michael Palin, Pyecombe hill on 5:02pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Flat Foot Soozie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]ding a ling[/bold] wrote: GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ[/quote] I did not say that the Argus invented the awful phrase "impact statement". I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead. Nobody says "I want to make an impact statement". It is non-language, of which there is too much. As for your screaming capitals, my dear why don't you think about what's easy on the eye instead of getting the heebie-jeebies?[/quote] A lot of what you say is good Flat foot so you keep going and don't worry about this bafoon ding a ling who is a well known idiot in these parts.
Flat Foot Soozie wrote:
ding a ling wrote: GOOD OLD FLAT FOOT SOOZIE WITH ANOTHER DUMB POST -IF IS IT CALL AN "IMPACT STATEMENT " IN COURT WAHAT ARE THE ARGUS GONNA CALL IT ????? NORMAL COMMENT FROM YOU THE ARGUS MUST GVET SICK OFF YOU BORING RANTING -IN FACT I THINK EVERYONE DOES -ITS NOT ME THE ARGUS KNOW MY EMAIL -ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
I did not say that the Argus invented the awful phrase "impact statement". I said that it is an awful phrase. Especially as the one who was "impacted" is dead. Nobody says "I want to make an impact statement". It is non-language, of which there is too much. As for your screaming capitals, my dear why don't you think about what's easy on the eye instead of getting the heebie-jeebies?
A lot of what you say is good Flat foot so you keep going and don't worry about this bafoon ding a ling who is a well known idiot in these parts.
Posted by: graham, hove on 9:29pm Fri 28 Mar 08
ah, the mysterious Meester Pain...your reputation precedes you. Good job you live out of town on a hill surrounded by your fellow country folk...and animals. lots of them, sheep especially. Its a bit like the principality to the east up there, or so I've heard.
ah, the mysterious Meester Pain...your reputation precedes you. Good job you live out of town on a hill surrounded by your fellow country folk...and animals. lots of them, sheep especially. Its a bit like the principality to the east up there, or so I've heard.
Posted by: tobi, brighton on 10:46am Sat 29 Mar 08
oh ffs so pathetic again and again
oh ffs so pathetic again and again
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